Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer picnic? Look no further! This orzo pasta salad recipe takes inspiration from the queen of effortless entertaining, Ina Garten, offering a simple yet elegant dish bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. It's one of those easy recipes that's surprisingly impressive, making it ideal for beginner cooks and experienced chefs alike. This homemade cooking masterpiece is sure to become a new favorite in your collection of delicious dishes and best recipes. Get ready to elevate your quick dinner ideas with this vibrant and satisfying orzo pasta salad!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely. This ensures your salad stays refreshing and prevents the orzo from becoming mushy.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The balance of acidity and richness in the dressing is key to this recipe's success.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled orzo to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat evenly.
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Add the Vegetables and Herbs: Stir in the parsley, mint, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Again, gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important; the flavors deepen and the salad becomes even more delicious as it chills. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Orzo Salad:
- Don't overcook the orzo: Al dente orzo is essential for a good salad. It should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of this salad depends heavily on the quality of the ingredients you use. Fresh herbs, good olive oil, and ripe tomatoes make all the difference.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, vinegar, or olive oil to suit your preferences.
- Make it ahead: This salad is even better the day after you make it, as the flavors have more time to develop.
Variations:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be delicious additions to this salad.
- Use different vegetables: Cucumber, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be tasty additions.
- Experiment with cheeses: Instead of feta, try goat cheese or Parmesan.
- Add some crunch: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds would add a delightful crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 20-25g Protein: Approximately 8-10g Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This healthy meal is a perfect example of delicious, easy recipes that don't compromise on taste or nutrition. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful orzo pasta salad! It's a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking adventures.